25+ Free Things to Do Indoors in Houston With Kids

Whether you're a stay at home mom just trying to find something to do during the day or a working mom wanting to spice things up on the weekend - but without spending a bunch of cash - this post is for you. Especially when the weather isn't exactly welcoming, inside activities are the way to go.

6. Watch the skaters at The Galleria and let the kids play in The Little Galleria. If you're a longtime Houstonian like me and have never heard of this, don't feel bad. But don't let any more time go by without visiting! It's a 2,000-square-foot miniature mall made of foam slides and lots of climbing structures. Park in the Yellow garage for easiest access.

7. First Methodist Houston's Main Street Indoor Park is perfect for toddlers and older babies. The space is decorated like a busy urban street and has a train slide and climbing structure as well as an adjoining room with books, puzzles, and a train table.

8. For South Houston families with little ones: Visit the Galveston Railroad Museum where kids ages 3 and under play for free! Kids ages 4-12 are $5.

9. Head to your local library for a storytime, to play with the puzzles, or browse the books.

11. Gallery Furniture isn't just for shopping: There is an indoor playground as well as exotic birds and monkeys around the store. Honestly, sometimes it's just fun to look at furniture and plan your dream home!

12. See what Brazos Bookstore has going on; there are regularly kid-friendly readings and releases, and they have great book recommendations for kids of all ages and also sells educational toys and gifts. Blue Willow Bookshop on Memorial also has great kids' programs - see their calendar for details.

15. Really admire the amazingly weird "cars" at the Art Car Museum. There are pieces and displays from local, national, and international artists.

16. Visit the Houston Police Department's downtown headquarters to see the Houston Police Museum. You'll find old and new uniforms, memorabilia, and a memorial wall. Admission is always free.

17. Tour the most mysterious and magical underground Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Tours are free on Thursdays and require a reservation. Kids must be 9-years-old and up because the tour takes you downstairs to a dimly lit underground area, but it's amazing. Learn the history of this historical water system and see the various art displays installed throughout the year.

19. Head to Crosspoint Church in Pearland where kids can play on their multi-level indoor playground. The play area includes an obstacle course, slides, and a generous parent seating area. While you're in the area, be sure to check out all of the other amazing kid-friendly activities in Pearland!

The massive indoor play structure at The Woodlands Church. Photo courtesy The Woodlands Church

20. There is no shortage of free indoor fun when you visit the play area at The Woodlands Church. Toddlers can play in their very own section where big kids won’t trample on them, and kids ages 5-12 can explore a multi-level structure with a 22-foot corkscrew slide! In total, this play structure boasts seven slides and is perfect for hours of entertainment.

21. The play area at Willowbrook Mall in front of Sears boasts a forest themed wonderland for kids under 42 inches to explore. While the play area isn’t as large as those at other area malls, it’s great for small children to take a break from shopping and get some of the wiggles out.

22. Kids ages 12 months- 10 years can play for free at the Humble First Baptist Church indoor playground. Bring your own snacks to enjoy on the blue tables! Pre-registration is required and 30 spots are available per play session.

23. Explore the museum inside of the San Jacinto Monument in La Porte. While some exhibits do cost money, the main museum area boasts many Texas history artifacts and gorgeous art and it is totally free.

24. Kingwood area families can play on the awesome indoor playground at Kingwood First Baptist Church during the week for free. Hours vary, so be sure to check their website or call ahead for exact opening times.

25. A multi-level indoor play area awaits preschool and elementary aged children at Memorial Church of Christ. There is even a small area with padded obstacles for babies to explore. To enter the play area, ring the doorbell under the covered doorway near the largest parking lot.

26. Kids ages 3-9 can run and play at animal-themed indoor playground at The Woodlands Methodist Church fondly called Safari Stop. Safari Stop is located at the north end of the main building.

27. Shopping at IKEA? Take your kids so that they can enjoy up to one hour of free play in their Smaland supervised play area where they will color, craft, and watch movies while you shop. And when their time at Smaland is up, kids can play with parent supervision at various play stations throughout the rest of the store.

28. Little ones can run off some steam at the indoor playground at Kingwood United Methodist Church, where kids ages six and under can play for free. Exact hours change seasonally, but the playground is open Monday- Friday each week for open play.